Systems and devices for securing portable objects and related methods

ABSTRACT

An anchoring device and system for securing portable objects is disclosed. The anchoring device may be configured for engagement with a lockable container or structure having an articulating, lockable member. The system may include an anchoring device and a securing device, the securing device (e.g., a cable, chain, etc.) being configured to engage with portable objects and be secured by the anchoring device. In some aspects, an anchoring device may be for engagement with a lockable vehicle door or tailgate can include one or more anchoring members and at least one restraining member. In some aspects, the securing member may be a cable or chain having a closed loop that can be engaged with a portable object and a restraining portion of the anchoring device, and when the anchoring device is engaged with a lockable container or structure, the portable object may be secured thereto.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/731,485, filed on Nov. 30, 2012, hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods forsecuring portable objects by anchoring them to a larger and/or immovableobject. More specifically, the embodiments of the present inventionpertain to removable locking devices for securing portable objects inopen locations to truck beds, toolboxes, and other objects that canserve as anchors to prevent and/or deter theft of the objects. Thepresent invention also relates to anchoring systems that include one ormore removable anchor devices and one or more associated cables that canbe threaded through one or more portable objects and engaged with theone more removable anchor devices. Additionally, the present inventionrelates to methods of securing portable objects by engaging the objectswith the removable anchor devices.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

Most toolboxes, storage boxes, or tool cabinets (whether truck mountedor in standalone form) can be locked to secure the contents therein.These devices typically have hinged lids or doors covering an internalstorage area of which cannot be accessed without unlocking the lid. Forexample, conventional toolboxes may include a top lid or a side lid thatonly be opened when the toolbox is unlocked. Unfortunately many tools,devices, and other valuable portable objects are not of suitable sizefor placement within lockable toolboxes, and many trucks do not havemounted toolboxes. Nonetheless, a user may desire to secure many of suchobjects, for example and without limitation, ladders, bicycles,generators, and compressors.

Keyed or combination padlocks with chains can be used to secure largeequipment or tools that cannot be stored inside a lockable toolbox orstorage unit. For example, a ladder lying in the bed of a truck can besecured therein by placing a chain around one or more rungs and thensecuring both ends of the chain with a padlock to a mounting point inthe truck bed. These solutions to securing large objects in storagearea, like a truck bed, have disadvantages. For example, padlocks arecumbersome to operate (especially combination padlocks), are relativelyeasy to lose, and in the case of a combination padlock, requires theuser to remember a combination which may be easy to forget. In the caseof keyed padlocks, a key is required, which must be retained by the userand which may be misplaced or lost.

It is therefore desirable to have new devices, systems, and methods forsecuring large equipment and tools, and other bulky objects in truckbeds and other open storage areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns anchor devices and securing systems forsecuring objects in open storage areas or structures. The anchor devicesand systems described herein may prevent large equipment and tools frombeing removed or stolen from such open storage areas or structures. Thepresent invention also concerns methods of using such anchor devices andsystems. The anchor devices, securing systems, and methods describedherein provide a convenient means of preventing theft of expensiveequipment and tools, bicycles, personal vehicles, and other bulkyobjects.

The anchoring devices of the present invention may be configured toengage with toolboxes, tailgates, and other lockable structures. Theanchoring devices are designed to engage with and be held in place in alockable structure (e.g., a tailgate, toolbox lid, etc.) when thelockable structure is in its locked condition. Implementations inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention include ananchoring device having a restraining portion for engaging with a cable,chain, or other securing device, and an anchor portion for securing theanchoring device in a lockable structure. For example, and withoutlimitation, in some implementations the anchoring device may beconfigured to be secured in a toolbox between a sidewall of the toolboxand a lid or door of the toolbox. In such implementations, the anchorportion of the anchoring device may have one or more hook-like (orhanger-like) anchoring members that can engage with a sidewall of atoolbox, and that may be “pinned” or “sandwiched” in position when thelid of the toolbox is closed over them. In other implementations, theanchor portion may be configured to be secured between a gate (e.g., atail gate) and a wall of an open-top cargo area of a vehicle or trailer(e.g., a truck bed). In such implementations, anchoring portion may havea shape (e.g., an L-shape or approximate L-shape) that corresponds to agap at an interface between the base of the gate and the end of bed oropen-top cargo area, allowing the anchor portion to be secured betweenthe gate and the bed when the gate is closed. It will be understood thatthe scope of the present invention encompasses additional variations onthe anchoring portion of the anchoring device.

The restraining portion of the anchoring device may be configured toengage with and restrain a securing device that has a closed loop (e.g.,a cable having at least one closed loop). In some implementations, therestraining portion may include two parallel bars connected by a crossbar, where the restraining portion creates a closed loop that can lock asecuring device (also having its own closed loop) in place when theanchoring device is engaged with a lockable container, a tailgate, etc.In other implementations, the restraining portion may have T-shaped orrelated structure (e.g., Y-shaped, arrowhead, bulb, etc.) that is wideenough to restrain a closed loop of a securing device in a particularrange of sizes. For example, and without limitation, restraining portionmay have a T-shape comprised of metal bars, where the cross bar issufficiently long to restrain closed loops having a particular size(pitch), or a padlock of any practical size. It will be understood thatthe scope of the present invention encompasses additional variations onthe restraining portion of the anchoring device.

The present invention also concerns a securing system that includes theanchoring device described herein and a securing device that can beengaged with the anchoring device and moveable objects, such as largeequipment and tools, etc., thereby securing such objects. The securingdevice may be a cable or other elongate device having at least oneclosed loop. The securing device may be engaged with one or moreportable objects and can be engaged with any implementation of theanchoring device of the present invention. In some implementations, thesecuring device is a smooth cable having a closed loop at each endthereof, where the closed loops are configured to be engaged with theanchoring device.

The securing system of the present invention can be utilized in the bedof a truck, trailer, or other vehicle, or in other open storage areas tosecure large or awkwardly shaped portable objects that cannot beotherwise secured in a toolbox or other closed storage area. Thesecuring device can be threaded through open areas of the object thatprovide a useable engagement point (e.g., closed areas of a bike frame,closed-loop handles on a generator, etc.). The securing device may thenbe engaged with one or more anchoring devices of the present invention.The anchoring devices may then be secured in a closable articulatinglockable structure (e.g., a tailgate), thereby securing the moveableobjects in the open storage area.

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a securing systemfor engaging with a storage structure having a closable member and awall adjacent to the closeable member, where the system includes asecuring device for securing portable objects, where the securing devicehas at least one closed loop; and an anchor device configured to beengaged with the securing device, and the anchor device includes arestraining portion for engaging the closed loop of the securing deviceand an anchor portion fixed to the restraining portion and having ashape that corresponds to an interface of the storage structure wall andthe closable member. The storage structure may be a closed storagecontainer (e.g., a toolbox or other container having a lockable lid) oran open storage container having a closeable member (e.g., a truck ortrailer bed having a lockable gate). The securing device may be a cableor chain having closed loops at each end thereof.

In some embodiments, the present invention also relates to securingsystem including an anchor device for engaging with an open-top cargoarea of a vehicle or trailer having an articulating member and a wall orsurface adjacent to the articulating member, where the anchor device mayinclude: an anchoring portion having at least one anchoring memberhaving a first section, a second section continuous with the firstsection, and a shape corresponding to an interface between thearticulating member and the wall of said open-top cargo area; and arestraining portion fixed to the first section of the anchoring memberfor restraining a device having a closed loop. The open-top cargo areamay be a bed of a truck or trailer and the articulating member may be anarticulating tailgate attached to the bed. The wall of the open-topcargo area may be the vertical surface at the end of the truck ortrailer bed that is adjacent to the tailgate when the tailgate is in aclosed position. The first and second sections of the at least oneanchoring member may form an L-shape or an approximate L-shape, whichmay correspond to a gap at the interface of articulating member and thewall of the open-top cargo area. The at least one anchoring member maybe configured such that the second section thereof is position below thearticulating member when the anchoring device is engaged with thearticulating member and the articulating member is in a closed position,thereby holding the anchoring device fast in the gap at the interfacebetween the articulating member and the adjacent wall of the open-topcargo area. The system may also include a securing device (e.g., a cableor chain) having at least one closed loop (e.g., a closed loop at eachend thereof).

In some implementations, the anchoring device may have two or moreanchoring members connected by the anchoring portion of the anchoringdevice. In such implementations, the two or more restraining members maybe about parallel from an overhead view (e.g., looking down into theopen-top cargo area with the anchoring device “in position,” meaningplaced in the interface between the articulating member and the adjacentwall of the open-top cargo area). Also, from a side view (e.g.,horizontal view along the interface of the articulating member and theadjacent wall of the open-top cargo area, with the anchoring device inposition), the two or more anchoring members may be about aligned suchthat the angle between the first and second sections is about the samefor each of the two or more anchoring members. The angle between thefirst and second sections of each anchoring member may be in a rangefrom between about 60° and about 140° (e.g., between about 70° and about110°, between about 80° and about 100°, about 90°, or any value or rangeof values therein).

In some implementations, the restraining portion may include a twolateral bars and a cross between the two lateral bars. In suchimplementations, one of the lateral bars of the restraining portion maybe connected to one of the anchoring members and the other lateral barmay be connected to the other anchoring member. Thus, the anchoringdevice may, in some implementations, include two lateral structures,each including an anchoring member connected to a parallel bar of theretraining portion, that are connected by the cross bar of therestraining portion. In further implementations, the restraining devicemay have more than two parallel bars and two or more cross bars, and theanchoring portion may have more than two anchoring members (e.g., aW-like structure).

In some implementations, the restraining portion may have a firstlongitudinal section and at least two lateral sections that protrudefrom about the same point on the longitudinal section. The two lateralsections may each protrude at an angle in a range of between about 30°to about 150° (e.g., between about 45° to about 135°, between about 60°to about 120°, about 90°, or value or range of values therein). In suchimplementations, the restraining portion may create a number of shapesfor restraining securing device having a closed loop (e.g., a Y-shape, aT-shape, an arrow head-shape, etc.). The restraining portion may alsohave more than two lateral sections or other structures capable ofrestraining a securing device having a closed loop. In suchimplementations, the anchoring portion of the anchoring device may haveone anchoring member.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a securing systemincluding an anchor device for engaging with a container having anarticulating member and a wall adjacent to the articulating member,where the anchor device includes an anchoring portion having at leastone anchoring member that has at least three sections: a first section,a second section fixed to the first section and having a first anglerelative to the first section, a third section fixed to the secondsection and having a second angle relative to the second section, wheretogether the first, second, and third sections have an approximate hookshape configured to engage with the wall of the container; and arestraining portion fixed to the first section of the anchoring memberfor restraining a device having a closed loop. The container may be aclosable container and the articulating member may be a closable lidthereto. The anchor device may be configured such that when it isengaged with the container (e.g., a sidewall of the container), thethird section of the anchor member is positioned adjacent to an interiorsurface of the wall of the container, the second section is positionedadjacent to an upper edge of the wall of the container and an insidebottom surface of the articulating member, and the first section of theanchor member is positioned adjacent to an outside surface of the wallof the container. The system may also include a securing device (e.g., acable or chain) having at least one closed loop (e.g., a closed loop ateach end thereof).

In some implementations, the anchoring device may have two or moreanchoring members connected by the restraining portion of the anchoringdevice. In such implementations, the two or more anchoring members maybe about parallel from an overhead view (e.g., looking down into thecontainer with the anchoring device “in position,” meaning placed on thewall of the container such that the anchor members are placed over thewall). Also, from a side view (e.g., horizontal view along the wall ofthe container, with the anchoring device in position), the two or moreanchoring members may be about aligned such that the first angle betweenthe first and second sections is about the same for each of the two ormore anchoring members, and the second angle between the second andthird sections is about the same for each of the two or more anchoringmembers. The first and second angles may both be in a range betweenabout 80° and about 100° (e.g., about 90°, or any value or range ofvalues therein).

In some implementations, the restraining portion may include a twolateral bars and a cross bar between the two lateral bars. In suchimplementations, the anchoring device may have two anchoring members,and one of the lateral bars of the restraining portion may be connectedto one of the anchoring members and the other lateral bar may beconnected to the other anchoring member. Thus, the anchoring device may,in some implementations, include two lateral structures, each includinga hook-like anchoring member connected to a parallel bar of theretraining portion, that are connected by the cross bar of therestraining portion. In further implementations, the anchoring devicemay have more than two parallel bars and two or more cross bars, and theanchoring portion may have more than two anchoring members (e.g., aW-like structure).

In some implementations, the restraining portion may have a firstlongitudinal section and at least two lateral sections that protrudefrom about the same point on the longitudinal section. The two lateralsections may each protrude at an angle in a range of between about 30°to about 150° (e.g., between about 45° to about 135°, between about 60°to about 120°, about 90°, or value or range of values therein). In suchimplementations, the restraining portion may create a number of shapesfor restraining securing device having a closed loop (e.g., Y-shape, aT-shape, an arrow head-shape, etc.). The restraining portion may alsohave more than two lateral sections, or some other structure capable ofrestraining a securing device having a closed loop. In suchimplementations, the anchoring portion of the anchoring device may haveone anchoring member.

The present invention also relates to methods of restraining moveableobjects in a storage area having a first wall and a second articulatingwall, including the steps of (1) passing a securing device having atleast one closed loop through at least one portion of the portableobject; (2) threading an anchor device through the at least one closedloop of the securing device, where the anchor device includes arestraining portion for engaging and restraining the securing device andthe distal end of the restraining portion has a shape preventing theclosed loop of the securing device from being removed from the distalend of the restraining portion, and an anchor portion fixed to therestraining portion; (3) engaging the anchor device with the storagestructure or area by positioning the anchor portion in an interfacebetween the first wall and the second articulating wall of the storagearea; and (4) engaging the second articulating wall to the first wall,thereby securing the anchor device in the storage area. In suchembodiments, the securing device may be a cable or chain having a closedloop therein (e.g., at each end thereof), and the cable or chain may bepassed through portions of the moveable objects that create closed loops(e.g., a closed-loop handle on a generator, the space between rungs on aladder, a closed loop created by the frame of a bicycle, etc.), therebypreventing the cable or chain from being removed from the moveableobject when the cable or chain is restrained by the anchor device.

In some implementations, the second articulating wall is a gate (e.g.,tailgate) of an open-top cargo area (e.g., a bed) of a vehicle ortrailer and the first wall or surface may be a vertical surface or wallof the bed adjacent to the base of the gate. The anchor portion may havean approximate L-shape configured to fit within a gap at the interfacebetween the gate and the vertical wall or surface of the bed adjacent tothe base of the gate.

In some implementations, the first articulating wall is the sidewall ofa box (e.g., toolbox) and second articulating wall is a lid or door ofthe box. In such embodiments, the anchor device may have an anchorportion that comprises one or more hook-shaped anchor members forengaging with a sidewall of the box, and the anchor portion may beconfigured to be pinned between the lid and the box when the lid is in aclosed position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved securingsystem for securing moveable objects in the open cargo or storage areas,such as beds of vehicles and trailers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a convenientand effective means for securing large objects that cannot fit intypical vehicle-mounted toolboxes.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convenient andeffective securing system that can be locked into position by a lockabletailgate.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convenient andeffective securing system that can be locked into position by a lockabletoolbox, tool closet, or other lockable container.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convenient andeffective securing system that can be used to lock large moveableobjects in an open storage area without the need of padlock or otherextraneous locking mechanism other than a tailgate or a mounted toolbox.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convenient andeffective securing system that can be easily stored (e.g., within atoolbox) and has no moving parts.

It is another object of the invention to provide a securing system thatincludes a smooth, strong, light-weight cable that may prevent or reducedamage that may be caused by heavy chains or coarse cables.

The above-described objects, advantages and features of the invention,together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements havelike numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. Furtherbenefits and other advantages of the present invention will becomereadily apparent from the detailed description of the preferredembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anchor device accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anchor device accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary securing systemaccording to some embodiments of the present invention, including ananchor device and a securing device.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anchor device accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary securing systemaccording to some embodiments of the present invention, including ananchor device and a securing device.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anchor device accordingto some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in reference to theseembodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limitthe invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In thefollowing disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details.

The present application includes the terms “storage structure,” “storagearea,” “open-top cargo area”, and variations thereof describing thekinds of open spaces in which the securing system of the presentinvention may be used. These terms are meant for illustrative purposesand are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way. It isto be appreciated that, unless otherwise specifically required, theterms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “overhead,”“side,” and “bottom” are in reference to the anchor device as it wouldbe position when engaged for use on a storage structure (e.g., a toolboxor truck bed). The term “medial” as used herein means situated at ornear a midline of a structure (when viewing a front of the structure),the term “lateral” as used herein means situated away from a midline ofa structure and near or at outer edge, the term “proximal” as usedherein means nearest or closest, and the term “distal” as used hereinmeans furthest, however these terms are also given their ordinarymeaning. The terminology discussed in this paragraph is not meant tolimit the scope of the invention, but rather is used for convenience inreferring to the exemplary illustrations.

The present invention concerns systems for securing portable objects inan open storage area or structure and methods of using the same. Suchsystems may have one or more anchor devices for engaging with aclosable, lockable structure and a securing device that can be engagedwith the portable objects and the one or more anchor devices. In someembodiments, the anchor devices are configured to engage with aclosable, articulating member (e.g., a gate) of an open-top storage areaof vehicle or trailer. In some embodiments, the anchor devices areconfigured to engage with a closable, lockable container (e.g., atoolbox). In still other embodiments, the securing system may includeone or more anchor devices that are configured to engage with aclosable, articulating gate of an open-top storage area of vehicle ortrailer, and one or more anchor devices that are configured to engagewith a closable, lockable container (e.g., a toolbox). Variousembodiments of the anchor devices are discussed below in detail.

The securing system of the present invention may include one or moresecuring device(s), which may be a cable, chain, or similar device. Thesecuring device may have at least one closed loop. In some embodiments,the securing device may be a cable having a closed loop at each endthereof, the closed loops being configured to be placed around theanchor device such that when the anchor device is engaged with alockable structure (e.g., a tailgate or toolbox) the closed loops cannotbe removed from the anchor device. The securing device of the presentinvention may be a single non-branch cable or chain, or it may have oneor more branches, allowing it to be engaged with a plurality of anchordevices. The securing devices of the present invention may be configuredto be passed through open portions of objects to be secured (e.g.,through closed loop created by the head tube, down tube, and seat tubeof a typical bicycle, or a closed loop handle on a generator, throughthe rungs of a ladder, etc.), and engaged with a securing portion of atleast one anchor device. Closed loops at the ends of the cable may bethreaded over the one or more anchor devices, which can then be lockedin place by a tailgate and/or a toolbox, thereby securing the equipment,tools, or other objects. The securing device (e.g., a cable or chain)may comprise a strong durable material, such as nylon or high densitypolyethylene, and may include stranded or braided synthetic fibers (suchas the braided fibers the Kevlar® branded product). In otherembodiments, the securing device may be a braided metal cable that maybe coated or have an outer layer of material, the material being apliable and/or non-abrasive material that prevents or reduces abrasionand damage to moveable object secured by the securing system. It is tobe appreciated that other devices may be used as a securing device incombination with the anchor devices of the present invention, forexample, and without limitation, a chain having links having asufficiently large pitch may be used, a chain having a rings at each endthat have a sufficiently large diameter to engage with an anchor devicemay be used, a chain and a padlock may be used, a padlock, etc.

The presently disclosed securing system can be employed to lock up andsecure valuable equipment and tools (e.g., bicycles, generators,compressors, ladders, etc.) in the bed of a trailer or vehicle in orderto prevent theft. The securing system provides a sturdy and convenientmeans of securing large valuable items in open areas or storagestructures.

It is to be appreciated that the securing systems of the presentinvention may vary in the number and form of the anchor device, and thenumber and form of the securing devices. The following exemplaryembodiments and examples are provided for illustrative purposes and arenot intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Exemplary Securing Systems

Systems for Open-Top Cargo Areas

There is a common need to secure bulky objects in an open cargo area(e.g., the bed) of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The presentinvention provides an anchor device that can be engaged with gates ordoors to provide an anchoring point for cables, chains, and othersecuring devices. For example, many conventional truck tailgates may belocked in an upright position, and the present invention provides ananchor lock device that may be inserted into hinged recesses of lockabletruck tailgates and locked in position by such tailgates.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the anchor lock device isconfigured to be engaged with a gate of an open-top cargo area of avehicle or trailer (e.g., a tailgate of a truck, car, or trailer bed).The anchor lock device may have an anchoring portion and a restrainingportion, which may be connected and continuous with one another. Theanchoring portion may have a shape that is particularly designed forinsertion between a closable, articulating member (e.g., a door, a gate,etc.) and a surface adjacent to the articulating, closable member whenthe articulating member is in a closed position. The securing portionmay be designed to provide a closed-loop structure for engaging with arestraining device (e.g., cable, chain, etc.) when the restrainingportion is engaged, thereby providing an anchor to which the securingdevice can be engaged.

Referring now to the exemplary illustration of FIG. 1, which shows aperspective view of an anchor lock device 100 positioned in anapproximately horizontal manner, as it might be if engaged with anopen-top cargo area. The anchor lock device 100 may include an anchorportion 101 that includes a first anchoring member 102 having a firstsection 102 a and a second section 102 b, and a second anchoring member103 having a first section 103 a and a second section 103 b. Asdiscussed above, the anchoring members may be inserted into a gap recessat the interface between an articulating, closable member, (e.g., atruck tailgate) and an adjacent wall of an open-top cargo area (e.g., atruck bed) for securement therein. The first and second anchoringmembers may have shapes that are configured to fit within suchinterface. For example, and without limitation, the first and secondanchoring members 102 and 103 may have an approximate L-shape that isconfigured to fit in the gap at the interface between the articulating,closable member and the adjacent wall of an open-top cargo area, asshown in FIG. 1. In such implementations, the first sections 102 a and103 a may be positioned at an angle of approximately 90° relatively tothe second sections 102 b and 103 b, respectively. However, it should beunderstood that the angle between the first and second sections of eachanchoring member may be an angle other than 90°; such angles may be in arange between about 60° and about 140° (e.g., between about 70° andabout 110°, between about 80° and about 100°, about 90°, or any value orrange of values therein). In some examples, the angle between the firstand second sections of the anchoring member should be such that thesecond section sits beneath a lower surface of a tailgate when thetailgate is in the closed position and prevents the anchor lock from bepulled from the interface between the tailgate and the bed.

It is to be appreciated that variations of the anchoring members arecontemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. In some implementations, the anchoring portion 101 of theanchor device 100 may have additional sections or pieces that mayprovide additional securement of the anchor device when engaged with anarticulating closable member. For example, and without limitation, eachof the anchoring member 102 and 103 may have enlargements or additionalsections (e.g., bulbs, vertical/downward extensions, etc.) at the distalend of the second sections 102 b and 103 b to prevent the anchor devicefrom being pulled or ripped through the interface between thearticulating member (e.g., the tailgate) and the open-top cargo area(e.g., the end of the truck bed). The size of the gaps and spacesbetween gates and beds of various kinds of vehicles and trailers mayvary, and enlargements at the distal ends of the anchoring members 102and 103 may help to prevent the removal of the anchor device from largergaps. It is further to be appreciated that the shape of the first andsecond sections of the anchoring members may be of any shape suitablefor insertion between the gap of the articulating member and theopen-top cargo area. For example and without limitation, the sectionsmay have a “bar” shape (as illustrated in FIG. 1), a curved shape, orany other shape.

The restraining portion of the anchor device is configured to engagesecuring devices having a closed loop, allowing such securing devices tobe anchored by the anchor device. The exemplary anchor device 100 ofFIG. 1 includes a restraining portion 104 having a first bed extension104 b and a second bed extension 104 c connected by a cross bar 104 a.The bed extensions 104 b and 104 c may each be connected to the firstsections 102 a and 103 a of the anchoring portion 101, respectively. Insome implementations, the angle between the first sections 102 a and 103a of the anchoring portion 101 and the bed extensions 104 b and 104 cmay be about 90°. The cross bar 104 a may have a curvature (e.g., may besemicircular) to provide clearance from an adjacent surface. Forexample, and without limitation, the anchor device 100 may be engagedwith a tailgate of a truck such that the bed extensions 104 b and 104 crest on the bed of the truck. In such an example, the curvature of thecross bar 104 a will provide clearance between the cross bar 104 a andthe surface of the truck bed to allow space for a securing device to beplaced around the cross bar 104 a.

It is to be appreciated that the scope of the present invention includesvariations on the anchor device and is not limited to the particularimplementation shown in FIG. 1. One aspect of variation is the anglesbetween the first sections 102 a and 103 a of the anchoring portion 101and the bed extensions 104 b and 104 c. These angles may be in a rangeof between about 90° and about 180° (or any value or range of valuestherein). The exemplary anchor device 100 of FIG. 1 illustrates anglesbetween the first sections 102 a and 103 a of the anchoring portion 101and the bed extensions 104 b and 104 c of about 90°. However, in othervariations, the angles between the first sections 102 a and 103 a of theanchoring portion 101 and the bed extensions 104 b and 104 c may createclearance between the bed extensions 104 b and 104 c and the adjacentsurface of the open-top cargo area with which the anchor device isengaged (e.g., angles in a range of between about 120° and 150°). Forexample, and without limitation, the angles between the first sections102 a and 103 a and the bed extensions 104 b and 104 c may be about135°, providing an angle of about 45° between the bed extensions and thesurface of the bed of the open-top cargo area. In such embodiments, thecross bar 104 a may have no curvature therein. In examples in which thebed extensions 104 b and 104 c are at an angle relative to the adjacentsurface of an open-top cargo area, the restraining member 104 may beformed of a single continuous (e.g., forged, unwelded) piece ofmaterial, for example, in a horseshoe-like shape. In other variations,the cross-bar 104 a of the restraining member may have some shapeprotruding outwardly from the anchoring members other than semi-circularor curved. For example, and without limitation, the restraining membermay have a rectangular, triangular, saw-tooth, piecewise geometry, orother shape.

In another variation, there may be little or no bend between the firstsections 102 a and 103 a of the anchoring portion 101 and the bedextensions 104 b and 104 c. In such variations, the bed extensions maybe adjacent to an interior-facing surface of the articulating member(e.g., positioned parallel against the tailgate), and the cross bar 104a may have a curvature that creates separation between the cross bar 104a and the surface of the articulating member.

In further variations, one or both of the bed extensions may have acurvature therein for creating separation between an adjacent surface ofthe open-top cargo area and the bed extension. For example, and withoutlimitation, FIG. 2 shows an exemplary anchor device 200 having anchorportion 201 having anchoring members 201 a and 201 b connected to bedextensions 202 b and 202 c having a curved (e.g., semicircular) portion.In this example, the cross bar 202 a has no curvature, and the bedextensions 202 b and 202 c provide space between the restraining portion202 and the surface of the open-top cargo area (e.g., truck bed) toallow a securing device to be engaged with the restraining portion 202.

Another point of variation may be the orientation of the anchoringmembers relative to one another. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary anchor device100 having anchoring members 102 and 103 that are parallel from anoverhead perspective, and aligned from a side perspective. Othervariations of the anchor device may have anchoring members that are notparallel or aligned. For example, and without limitation, the anchordevice may be configured to be engaged in a back corner of an open topcargo area, where one of the anchoring members is engaged with anarticulating member and the floor of the open-top cargo area and theother anchoring member is engaged with the articulating member and asidewall of the open-top cargo area.

It is to be appreciated that other variations of anchoring members andrestraining members are contemplated in accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention. In some embodiments, the anchor device mayinclude two or more anchoring members and two or more restrainingmembers. In one example, the anchor device may have three anchoringmembers connected to two restraining members, in which the anchor devicemay have two lateral anchor members and a medial anchor member and eachrestraining member is connected to one of the lateral anchoring membersand the medial anchor member (e.g., forming a W-like structure).Additional variations on the number of anchoring members and restrainingmembers are within the scope of the present invention. In someembodiments, the bed extensions may have hinges or joints therein toallow the restraining portion to be lifted for engagement with asecuring device, thereby providing additional ease of use.

The anchor devices of the present invention may comprise variousmaterial compositions. For example, and without limitation, an anchordevice of the present invention may comprise iron, steel, aluminum, orother rigid metals or non-metals (e.g., composite materials). The anchordevices may include an outer buffer or padding material covering therigid material thereof for protecting the surfaces of the open-top cargoarea, to increase friction between the anchor device and the open-topcargo area, and providing some compressibility in the surface anchoringmembers to accommodate various open-top cargo areas (e.g., beds ofdifferent vehicles or trailers), which may have gaps at the interface ofthe articulating member and the adjacent surface of the open-top cargoarea that differ in size. For example, and without limitation, theanchor device may have a rubber material over an interior rigidmaterial. It is to be appreciated anchor locks in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention may be used between the bed andtailgate of a vehicle or trailer. Thus, the thickness of the anchoringmembers should not hinder the closing of a tailgate of the vehicle ortrailer.

As discussed above, the anchor devices of the present invention may alsobe configured to be threaded through and engaged with a securing devicehaving a closed loop. For example, and without limitation, the anchordevices of the present invention may be configured to be paired with oneor more cables each having at least one closed loop. At least one of theanchoring members of the anchor device may have a size (e.g., a widthand/or thickness) allowing a closed loop of the securing device to bepassed thereover, and allowing the securing device to be engaged withthe restraining portion of the anchor device. Subsequently, the anchordevice can be placed in the interface between an open-top cargo bed andan articulating, closable member attached thereto. When the articulatingclosable member is subsequently placed in a closed position, the anchorlock and thus the securing device is anchored in position.

FIG. 3 provides an example of the securing system for open-top cargoareas, and how the anchor device may engage with the bed of a vehicleand an attached tailgate. FIG. 3 shows a securing system 300 thatincludes an anchor device 301 and a securing device 310. As illustrated,the anchor device 301 is engaged in a gap at the interface of the bed320 of the vehicle and a tailgate 321. The anchor portion of the anchordevice 301 has a first section (a vertical section) 302 and a secondsection (a horizontal section) 303. The first section 302 is positionedor “sandwiched” between a vertical surface or wall 322 of the bed 320and an interior face 324 of the tailgate 321. The second section 303sits below a bottom surface 323 of the tailgate 321. The engagement ofthe anchor portion of the anchor device 301 between the bottom surface323 of tailgate 321 and the surface or wall 322 of the bed 320 holds theanchor device in place, and the position of the second sections 303below the tailgate 321 prevent the anchor device from being forciblyremoved from such position.

Prior to the engagement of the anchor device 301 between the tailgate321 and the bed 320, a securing device 310 may be engaged with theanchor device 301. The securing device illustrated in the example ofFIG. 3 is a cable having a closed loop 311 at one end. The loop 311 maybe passed over one of the anchor members of anchor device 301 andengaged with restraining portion 301 a before the anchor device 301 isengaged between the tailgate 321 and the bed 320. Although forconvenience only one closed loop is shown in FIG. 3, the securing devicemay be a single cable with no branches having closed loops at both endsthereof.

In some embodiments, a system comprising a plurality of anchor devicesand/or a plurality of securing devices may be installed onto the truckbed. Inclusion of a plurality of anchor devices may increase thecapacity to secure portable items.

Securing Systems for Lockable Containers

In some embodiments of the present invention, the anchor device of suchembodiments may be configured to be engaged with a closable container(e.g., a toolbox, a tool closet, etc.) having an articulating closablemember (e.g., a lockable lid). The anchor device may have an anchoringportion and a restraining portion, which may be connected and continuouswith one another. The anchoring portion may have a shape that isparticularly designed for engagement with a wall of the container and tobe “pinned” or “sandwiched” between the articulating, closable memberand the upper surface of the wall against which the articulating membercloses. Thus, when the closable member is closed and locked, it securesthe anchor device in position, preventing its removal from thecontainer. The restraining portion may be designed to provide aclosed-loop structure when engaged with a closed container, providing ananchor point for a securing device (e.g., cable, chain, etc.) to whichthe securing device can be engaged.

Referring now to the exemplary illustration of FIG. 4, which shows aperspective view of an anchor lock device 400 positioned in anapproximately vertical manner, as it might be if engaged with a closablecontainer (e.g., a toolbox). The anchor device 400 may include an anchorportion 401 that includes a first anchoring member 402 and a secondanchoring member 403. Each of the first and second anchoring members 402and 403 may have three sections. The first anchoring member 402 may havea first section 402 a, a second section 402 b, and a third section 402c, and the second anchoring member 403 may have a first section 403 a, asecond section 403 b, and a third section 403 c. Each of the anchoringmembers 402 and 403 may have an approximate hook-like shape, whichallows the anchor device 400 to be hung on a vertical wall of acontainer. In such implementations, the first sections 402 a and 403 amay be positioned such that they are adjacent to an exterior verticalsurface of a wall (e.g., a sidewall) of the container, the secondsections 402 b and 403 b may be positioned over an upper, horizontalsurface of the wall, and the third sections 402 c and 403 c may bepositioned adjacent to an interior vertical surface of the wall, suchthat a vertically opening or swinging lid of the container may belowered into a closed position over the anchoring members 402 and 403 ofthe anchor device thereby securing the anchor device 400. However, itshould be understood that the anchor device 400 may be positioned inother orientations. For example, and without limitation, the anchordevice 400 may be positioned such that the anchoring members 402 and 403are positioned horizontally, with the second sections 402 b and 403 bbeing positioned adjacent to a side, vertical edge of a wall of acontainer, such that a horizontally opening or swinging door of thecontainer may be placed in a closed position against the anchoringmembers 402 and 403 of the anchor device thereby securing the anchordevice 400.

It is to be appreciated that variations of the anchoring members arecontemplated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. In some implementations, the anchoring portion 401 of theanchor device 400 may have additional sections or pieces that mayprovide additional securement of the anchor device when engaged with aclosable container. For example, and without limitation, each of theanchoring member 402 and 403 may have enlargements or additionalsections (e.g., bulbs, angled vertical extensions for contacting theunderside of a lid, etc.) at the distal end of the third sections 402 cand 403 c to prevent the anchor device from being pulled or ripped outof the container. The size of the gaps and spaces between closablecontainers (e.g., toolboxes) and their closable articulating members(e.g., lids or doors) may vary, and enlargements at the distal ends ofthe anchoring members 402 and 403 may help to prevent the removal of theanchor device from containers that have larger gaps.

It is to be appreciated that the length of the distal end of theanchoring members may be of a sufficient length to prevent the removalof the anchor device from a container with which it is engaged. Forexample, and without limitation, the third sections 402 c and 403 c mayhave a sufficient length to prevent removal of the anchor device fromthe toolbox when the lid is locked in the closed position. In someexamples, and without limitation, the third sections 402 c and 403 c mayhave lengths in a range between about two inches and about 10 inches. Itis to be appreciated that variations in the size and shape of theanchoring members are contemplated in accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention.

Another point of variation in the anchor device may be the orientationof the anchoring members relative to one another. FIG. 4 shows anexemplary anchor device 400 having anchoring members 402 and 403 thatare parallel from an overhead perspective, and aligned from a sideperspective. Other variations of the anchor device may have anchoringmembers that are not parallel and aligned. For example, and withoutlimitation, the anchor device may be configured to be engaged in acorner of a container, where one of the anchoring members is engagedwith a first sidewall of the container and the other anchoring member isengaged with a second sidewall of the container. Other arrangements ofthe anchoring members are within the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the restraining portion of the anchor device may beconfigured to engage securing devices having a closed loop, allowingsuch securing devices to be anchored by the anchor device. The exemplaryanchor device 400 of FIG. 4 includes a restraining portion 404 having afirst connecting member 404 b and a second connecting member 404 c,which are connected to each other by a cross bar 404 a. The connectingmembers 404 b and 404 c may each be connected to the first sections 402a and 403 a of the anchoring portion 401, respectively. In someimplementations, the angle between the first sections 402 a and 403 a ofthe anchoring portion 401 and the connecting members 404 b and 404 c maybe about 180°. The cross bar 404 a may have a curvature (e.g., may besemicircular) to provide clearance from an adjacent surface. Forexample, and without limitation, the anchor device 400 may be engagedwith a wall of a toolbox such that the connecting members 404 b and 404c rest against an outside vertical wall. In such a case, the curvatureof the cross bar 404 a may provide clearance between the cross bar 404 aand the surface of the vertical wall of the toolbox to allow space for asecuring device to be placed around the cross bar 404 a.

In some implementations, one or both of the connecting members may havea shape that creates separation between an adjacent surface of the wallof the container. For example, and without limitation, one or both ofthe connecting members may have a curved (e.g., semicircular) portion(e.g., similar to the illustration of FIG. 2). In such examples, thecross bar may have no curvature, and the connecting members providespace between the restraining portion and the surface of the sidewall ofthe container to allow a securing device to be engaged with therestraining portion. In other implementations, the angle between theconnecting members and the first sections of the anchor portion may beless than 180°, thereby creating separation of portions of therestraining member and the wall of the container. For example, andwithout limitation, the angle at the connection between first section402 a and connecting member 404 b, and the angle at the connectionbetween first section 403 a and connecting member 404 c may both be in arange of between about less than 180° and about 30° (e.g., between about135° and 90°, or a value or range of values therein). In suchembodiments, the connecting members and the cross bar may be formed of asingle continuous (e.g., forged, unwelded) piece of material, forexample, in a horseshoe-like shape.

It is to be appreciated that the anchor device 400 of FIG. 4 is anillustrative example of some embodiments of the invention and that othernumbers of anchoring members and restraining members are contemplated inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention. For example,and without limitation, an anchoring lock may include three anchoringmembers and two restraining members. It is to also be appreciated thatthe anchoring members may have other geometric configurations forinterfacing with other sidewall shapes. For example, and withoutlimitation, the second sections (horizontal portion) of the anchoringmembers may have semicircular shapes. Additionally, the restrainingmember may have other positions and orientations relative to theanchoring members. For example, and without limitation, the cross barmay be along a same plane as the connecting members. In someimplementations, the cross bar can be welded on ends thereof to one ormore connecting members. In some implementations, the cross bar can beunitarily formed with the connecting members (e.g., the connectingmembers and the cross bar may be formed from a single forged piece ofmetal having a curvature or bend therein that creates the cross bar).For example, and without limitation, an anchor device can include twoanchoring members, two connecting members, and a cross bar that areunitarily formed by bending a single forged metal rod into ahorseshoe-like shape.

In some embodiments, the anchor device can formed of iron or otherstrong and rigid metal. In some implementations, anchor device orportions thereof can be powder coated or coated in a rubberized materialfor preventing the toolbox from being scratched or dented. However, itis to be appreciated that other materials are contemplated in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention. Other materials andcombinations thereof are contemplated in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

As discussed above, the anchor locks (e.g., anchor lock 400) of thepresent invention may also be configured to be threaded through andengaged with a securing device having a closed loop. For example, andwithout limitation, the anchor devices of the present invention may beconfigured to be paired with one or more cables each having at least oneclosed loop. At least one of the anchoring members of the anchor devicemay have a size (e.g., a width and/or thickness) allowing a closed loopof the securing device to be passed thereover, and allowing the securingdevice to be engaged with the restraining portion of the anchor device.Subsequently, the anchor device can be placed over a sidewall of acontainer having a closable, lockable lid or door. When the lid or dooris subsequently placed in a closed position, the anchor lock and thusthe securing device are anchored in position.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a securing system for lockablecontainers (e.g., a toolbox, as shown in the figure), and how an anchordevice may engage with the sidewall of the container and an attachedarticulating, closable member (e.g., a lid). FIG. 5 shows a securingsystem 500 that includes an anchor device 501 and a securing device 510.The anchor device 501 may be engaged with an upper edge 523 of asidewall 522 of toolbox 520. Each anchor member of the anchor device 501may include a first section 502 (an exterior vertical section), a secondsection 503 (a horizontal section), and a third section 504 (an interiorvertical section). The first sections 502 are adjacent to an outersurface of sidewall 522, second sections 503 are positioned on upperedge 522 of sidewall 522, and third sections 504 are adjacent to aninterior surface of sidewall 522. When a lid 521 is lowered into aclosed position, the second sections 503 sit below a bottom surface 524of the lid 521, and are “sandwiched” between the upper edge 523 ofsidewall 522 and bottom surface 524 of the lid 521. The engagement ofthe anchor portion of the anchor device 501 between the lid 521 and theupper edge 523 of the container 520 holds anchor device in place, andthe position of the third sections 504 adjacent to or against theinterior surface of sidewall 522 prevent the anchor device from beingforcibly removed from such position.

Prior to the engagement of the anchor device 501 between the lid 521 andthe sidewall 522, a securing device 510 may be engaged with the anchordevice 501. The securing device 510 in the example of FIG. 5 is a cablehaving a closed loop 511 at one end. The loop 511 may be passed over oneof the anchor members of anchor device 501 and engaged with restrainingportion 501 a before the anchor device is engaged between the sidewall522 and the lid 521. For convenience of explanation, only one closedloop is shown in FIG. 5; however, the securing device may be a singlecable with no branches having closed loops at both ends thereof.

In some embodiments, a system comprising a plurality of anchor devicesmay be installed on a container at the same time. Inclusion of aplurality of anchor devices may increase the capacity to secure aplurality of items. Inclusion of a plurality of anchor locks may alsoadvantageously assist in securing items where opposite ends of asecuring device are engaged with different anchor devices disposed alongthe length of the articulating closable member. The securing system mayalso include multiple securing devices to accommodate a plurality ofmoveable objects to be secured by the securing system.

In some embodiments, a securing system in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention can be used in connection with a lockable shoptool cabinet, such that large or bulky equipment can be secured to thetool cabinet without requiring the use of additional keyed orcombination padlocks.

Additional Anchor Devices

In some embodiments of the present invention, anchor device can have asingle anchoring member for engaging with a lockable container orstructure, and a restraining member attached thereto. The anchoringmember in such embodiments may be configured to engage with a lockablecontainer (e.g., a toolbox) or other lockable storage structure (e.g., atailgate of an open-top cargo area).

Referring now to the exemplary illustration of FIG. 6, the anchor device600 may be configured to engage with an articulating closeable member(e.g., a gate) of an open-top cargo area of a vehicle or trailer. Theanchor device 600 may have an anchoring member 601 which may be similarto the one or more anchoring members discussed above. Anchoring member601 may have a first section 601 a and a second section 601 b, where thefirst section 601 a is positioned vertically between a surface of anopen-top cargo area and a gate, and the second section 601 b sits belowa bottom surface of the gate when the anchor device 600 is engaged withthe gate in a closed position. The restraining member 602 of anchordevice 600 may include an axial member 602 b and a cross bar 602 a. Therestraining cross bar 602 a may include two lateral sections, eachprotruding laterally from the axial member at an angle and atsubstantially the same longitudinal point along the axial member 602 b.As shown in FIG. 6, the two lateral sections may protrude from an end ofthe axial member 602 b at an angle of about 90° relative to axial member602 b. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is notlimited to the arrangement of the cross bar 602 a and axial member 602 bshown in FIG. 6. For example, and without limitation, the lateralsections of cross bar 602 a may protrude at an angle of between about30° to about 120° (e.g., in a Y shape, a T shape, an arrowhead shape,etc.), and may protrude from a point other than an end of the axialmember 602 b. Additionally, the cross bar 602 a illustrated in FIG. 6may be replaced by some other structure or configuration having a sizeand shape capable of restraining a closed loop, such as a bulb, a cone,three or more lateral sections protruding from the axial member 602 b(e.g., like a grappling hook), etc.

The restraining portion 602 may be connected to the anchoring member 601by a connecting member 603. The connecting member 603 may extend at anangle of about 90° from the first section 601 a of the anchoring member.However, in other examples, the connecting member may extend at an anglein a range of between about 90° and about 180° from the first section ofthe anchoring member. The axial member 602 b of the restraining portionmay be connected to the connecting member 603 and have an angle relativeto the connective member 603 to create separation between therestraining portion 602 and a bed of an open-top cargo area (e.g., anangle in a range of between about 15° and about 165°, or any value orrange of values therein). In other examples, the connecting member maybe absent and the axial member may be connected directly to the firstsection of the anchoring member, and have an angle relative to the firstsection to create separation between the restraining member and the bedof the open-top cargo area.

In some embodiments, the anchoring member of the anchor device may beconfigured to engage with a lockable container, and have a hook-likeshape as discussed above in reference to the anchor device of FIG. 4 andsimilar anchor devices. In such embodiments, the axial member of therestraining portion may be connected to a first section (the sectionthat is adjacent to an exterior of a sidewall of a lockable container)of the anchoring member and may have an angle relative to said firstsection that creates separation between the restraining member and theexterior surface of the sidewall of the lockable container (e.g., anangle in a range of between about 30° and about 165°, or any value orrange of values therein).

The securing device of the present invention may be engaged with therestraining portion of an anchor device. As discussed herein, therestraining device may be a cable or a chain having at least one closedloop. It is to be appreciated that the geometry of the restrainingmember should be sufficiently larger than that of the closed loop of thecable securing device such that the securing device cannot be removed.In some embodiments, the one or more closed loops of the restrainingdevice may a pitch that is at most widest (e.g., the pitch of the closedloop when it is stretched to a maximum point) that is less than themaximum width of the restraining member (i.e., the distance betweenlateral most points of the lateral sections, e.g., the tips of the “T”).

Method of Use

The present invention also relates to methods of restraining moveableobjects in a storage structure or area having a first wall (e.g., asidewall of a lockable container, or a surface or wall of an open-topcargo area) and a second articulating wall (e.g., a lid or door of atoolbox, or a gate of an open-top cargo area). In addition to themethods disclosed above with reference to the discussion of exemplarydevices and systems in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention, a method of the present invention may generally include thesteps of (1) passing a securing device (e.g., a cable or chain) havingat least one closed loop through at least one portion of the portableobject, (2) threading one or more anchor devices (e.g., any of theanchor devices described above) through the at least one closed loop ofthe securing device, where the anchor device includes a restrainingportion for engaging and restraining the securing device and an anchorportion fixed to the restraining portion; (3) engaging the anchor devicewith the storage structure or area by positioning the anchor portion inan interface between the first wall and the second articulating wall ofthe storage structure or area; and (4) engaging the second articulatingwall to the first wall (e.g., closing the lid of the toolbox or thetailgate), thereby securing the anchor device in the storage structureor area. The cable or chain may be passed through open portions of theportable objects that create closed loops (e.g., a closed-loop handle ona generator, the space between rungs on a ladder, a closed loop createdby the frame of a bicycle, etc.), thereby preventing the cable or chainfrom being removed from the moveable object when the cable or chain isrestrained by the anchor device. Once the cable or chain is threadedthrough the one or more portable objects, the anchor devices may beengaged with a storage structure, and the articulating member of thestorage structure may be closed and locked, thereby securing the anchordevices in the storage structure and locking the securing device to theanchor device(s).

It is to be understood that the above method can be implemented with anyof the securing systems described herein, and/or any of the anchordevices described herein. For example, and without limitation, thestorage structure may be an open-top cargo area of a vehicle or trailer,where the second articulating wall is a gate (e.g., tailgate) of theopen-top cargo area (e.g., a truck bed) and the first wall or surfacemay be a vertical surface or wall of the bed adjacent to the base of thegate. In such implementations, the anchor device may be the same orsimilar to that as shown in FIG. 1, or one that may be the same orsimilar to that as shown in FIG. 6. In related implementations, thesecuring system may have one or more anchor devices that are the same orsimilar to the one shown in FIG. 1, and/or one or more anchor devicesthat are the same or similar to the one shown in FIG. 6.

In some implementations, and without limitation, the storage structuremay be a container (e.g., a toolbox) and the first wall may be thesidewall of the container and second articulating wall is a lid or doorof the container. In such implementations, the anchor device may be onethat is the same or similar to the anchor device shown in FIG. 3. Inrelated implementations, the securing system may have one or more anchordevices that are the same or similar to the one shown in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, the method may include using multiple storagestructures and different forms of the anchor device that can be engagedwith the various storage structures. In one implementation, the securingsystem may be used in an open-top cargo area that includes a toolbox orother container mounted therein. In such implementations, one or moreanchor devices that are the same or similar to the anchor devicesdescribed above in reference to FIG. 3 may be engaged with the toolbox,and one or more anchor devices that are the same or similar to theanchor devices described above in reference to FIG. 1 may be engagedwith a gate of the open-top cargo area. In such implementations, one ormore securing devices may be engaged with the one or more anchor devicesengaged with the toolbox and with the one or more anchor devices engagedwith the gate.

It is to be appreciated that a number of different combinations of theanchor devices and securing devices described herein may be used tosecure one or more portable objects. It is also to be appreciated thatother devices may be used in combination with the anchor devices and/orthe securing systems of the present application. For example, padlocks,bike locks, and other devices that are cable of engaging and beingsecured by the anchor devices of the present invention may be used incombination with the anchor devices.

CONCLUSION/SUMMARY

The present invention thusly provides apparatuses, systems, and methodsfor securing items to a lockable structure or container, including butnot limited to a lockable truck mounted toolbox, a lockable trucktailgate, and a lockable shop tool cabinet. It is to be understood thatvariations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of thepresent invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention. For example, and without limitation, thesecuring system may include both an anchor device as illustrated in theexample of FIG. 1, an anchor device as illustrated in the example ofFIG. 3, and/or an anchor device as illustrated in the example of FIG. 6.It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited bythe specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinationsof either components or steps disclosed herein. Thus, although referencehas been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated thatthese figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of theinvention.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

What is claimed:
 1. A method of using a securing system to secure amoveable object in a storage area to prevent theft having a first walland a second articulating wall, comprising: a. passing a securing devicethrough at least one portion of said moveable object, said securingdevice being a continuous unitary structure with no joints or breakstherein and having at least one closed loop on a distal end thereof; b.threading an anchor device through said at least one closed loop of saidsecuring device, wherein said anchor device has an open loop structurethat comprises: i. a restraining portion for engaging said closed loopof said securing device, and ii. an anchor portion fixed to saidrestraining portion creating said open loop structure, said anchorportion comprising at least one anchor bar having a first planar portionto which said restraining portion is attached, a second planar portionconnected to said first planar portion perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular angle to said first planar portion, and a third planarportion connected to said second planar portion perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular angle to said second planar portion suchthat first planar portion and said third planar portion are parallel orsubstantially parallel, but are on opposite sides of said second planarportion and do not overlap; c. engaging said anchor device with saidstorage area by positioning said anchor portion in an interface betweensaid first wall and said second articulating wall of said storage area;and d. placing said second articulating wall in a closed position inclose proximity to said first wall, thereby securing said anchor devicebetween said first wall and said second articulating wall in saidstorage area, wherein said anchor portion has a shape that iscomplementary to a gap between said first wall and said secondarticulating wall that is present when said second articulating wall isin said closed position, and said closed loop of said securing device istrapped between said restraining portion and said second articulatingwall when said second articulating wall is in said closed position suchthat said securing device cannot be disengaged from said anchor deviceand said moveable object cannot be removed from said storage area,wherein said second articulating wall is a gate of an open-top cargoarea of a vehicle or trailer and said first wall is a surface adjacentto a base of said gate, and said anchor portion has an approximateL-shape configured to fit within said gap.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein said gap is between the base of said gate and said adjacentsurface of said open-top cargo area.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid restraining portion is a rigid bar connected to said anchorportion.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one anchor barcomprises a first anchor bar and a second anchor bar, each having ashape that is complementary to said gap between said first wall and saidsecond articulating wall that is present when said second articulatingwall is in said closed position.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein saidrestraining portion is a rigid bar connected said first anchor bar andsaid second anchor bar.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said securingdevice is a cable or chain and said at least one closed loop comprises afirst closed loop on a first end thereof and a second closed loopstructure on second end thereof, wherein anchor device is threadedthrough said first closed loop and said second closed loop of saidsecuring device prior to engaging said anchor device with said storagearea.
 7. A method of using a securing system to secure a moveable objectin a storage area having an articulating wall for closing said storagearea, comprising: a. securing a movable object by passing a securingdevice through a portion of said moveable object, wherein said securingdevice comprises at least one distal end having a closed loop; b.passing an anchor device through said at least one closed loop of saidsecuring device, wherein said anchor device comprises: i. a restrainingportion for engaging said securing device, said restraining portioncomprising said open loop and at least one extension, and ii. an anchorportion fixed to said restraining portion, said anchor portioncomprising at least one anchor bar comprising a first planar section anda second planar section, said second planar section being positionedsubstantially parallel to, but not overlapping, said at least oneextension; c. engaging said securing system with said storage area bypositioning said anchor portion in an interface between saidarticulating wall and an edge of a stationary wall at an opening of saidstorage area when said articulating wall is in an open position; and d.placing said articulating wall in a closed position, thereby securingsaid anchor device between said stationary wall and said articulatingwall, wherein said anchor portion has a shape that is complementary to agap between said stationary wall and said articulating wall that ispresent when said articulating wall is in a closed position, said secondsection being adjacent to a side of said articulating wall and notinterfacing with said stationary wall, and said at least one closed loopof said securing device is trapped between said restraining portion andsaid articulating wall when said articulating wall is in said closedposition such that said securing device cannot be removed from saidrestraining portion and said movable object cannot be removed from saidstorage area, wherein said articulating wall is a gate of an open-topcargo area of a vehicle or trailer and said stationary wall is adjacentto a base of said gate, and said anchor portion has an approximateL-shape configured to fit within said gap.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein said gap is between the base of said gate and said adjacentstationary wall of said open-top cargo area.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein said restraining portion is a rigid bar connected to said anchorportion.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein said at least one anchor barcomprises a first anchor bar and a second anchor bar, each having ashape that is complementary to said gap between said stationary wall andsaid articulating wall that is present when said articulating wall is insaid closed position.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein saidrestraining portion is a rigid bar connecting said first anchor bar andsaid second anchor bar.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein said securingdevice is a cable or chain and said at least one distal end having aclosed loop comprises a first end having a first closed loop and asecond end having a second closed loop, wherein said anchor device isthreaded through said first closed loop and said second closed loop ofsaid securing device prior to engaging said anchor device with saidstorage area.
 13. A method of using a securing system to secure aportable object in a truck bed or trailer bed, comprising: a. passing asecuring device through a portion of said portable object, wherein saidsecuring device has at least one closed loop end; b. passing an anchordevice through said at least one closed loop end of said securingdevice, wherein said anchor device comprises: i. a restraining portionfor engaging said closed loop end of said securing device, and ii. ananchor portion fixed to said restraining portion operable to be insertedbetween a tailgate and an edge of said truck bed or trailer bed, andincluding at least one anchor bar having a shape that is complementaryto a gap between said edge of said truck bed or trailer bed and saidtailgate that is present when said tailgate is in a closed position; c.placing said anchor portion of said anchor device in a space betweensaid tailgate and said edge of said truck bed or trailer bed when saidtailgate is in an open position; and d. placing said tailgate in saidclosed position, thereby securing said anchor portion between saidtailgate and said edge of said truck bed or trailer bed, wherein said atleast one closed loop end of said securing device is trapped betweensaid restraining portion and said tailgate when said tailgate is in saidclosed position.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said anchor portionhas an approximate L-shape configured to fit within said gap.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein said restraining portion is a rigid barconnected to said anchor portion.
 16. The method of claim 13, whereinsaid at least one anchor bar comprises a first anchor bar and a secondanchor bar, each having a shape that is complementary to said gapbetween said tailgate and said edge of said truck bed or trailer bed.17. The method of claim 16, wherein said restraining portion is a rigidbar connecting said first anchor bar and said second anchor bar.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, wherein said securing device is a cable or chain andsaid at least one closed loop end comprises a first closed loopstructure on a first end thereof and a second closed loop structure onsecond end thereof, wherein said anchor device is threaded through saidfirst closed loop and said second closed loop of said securing deviceprior to placing said anchor device in said space between said tailgateand said edge of said truck bed or trailer bed.
 19. The method of claim13, wherein said portable object is a tool or machinery having a thirdclosed loop structure through which the securing device may be passed.20. The method of claim 13, wherein said tailgate includes a lockingmechanism for locking said tailgate in said closed position.
 21. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said second articulating wall includes alocking mechanism for locking said second articulating wall in saidclosed position.
 22. The method of claim 7, wherein said articulatingwall includes a locking mechanism for locking said articulating wall insaid closed position.